I can hear the bellows of frogs and toads and the sweet melodies of crickets off in the distance. Being here with Luke is the most surreal experience I have ever had with any man. We lay in silence for what feels like hours before we decide to head back to town.
Walking back down the path to Luke's car, I cannot help but feel warmth and happiness throughout my body. I am content right now.
"I had an amazing time tonight," I say to Luke as we head back. "Thank you!"
"I had a great time too. I always do when I am with you," he replies as he looks at me and smiles.
I melt every time this man smiles at me. I love his smile, and he makes me turn to mush every time he speaks.
HE OPENS MY DOOR FOR me, and I step out of his vehicle. He walks me to my door, just like he did the first time he brought me home. He puts his hands on my waist, then presses his lips against mine. I put my hands on his chest and lean into his kiss.
"Goodnight, Turtle! See you tomorrow!"
I giggle.
"Goodnight, Luke!"
He walks back to his car and waves before he drives away. I wave back and smile as I head into my father's house.
Chapter Nineteen
I lay in my bed and stare at the ceiling; I'm not tired at all. Today was amazing, from the mini barbecue/picnic to the drive-in then the northern lights. Most guys would not have stopped going all the way with a girl in the manner we were going at the drive-in. Luke is different. I could tell that he respected me a lot. I know he likes me but also respects me more out of his association with my dad, I'm sure. I am glad he stopped us from going any further as it's too soon to have sex. We've only been hanging out less than a week, but it does feel a lot longer. I've gone farther with him than I have with Troy, and he courted me for six months. While Troy is sweet, Luke is something else.
I feel bad about ignoring Troy today, but I was somewhat preoccupied. I need to tell him about Luke and let him know it's not going to work between us. I don't want to hurt him, but do I have a choice here! We would be better off just friends. Wait, are Luke and I going to become something? Are we going to date? It seems to be headed in that direction as of now. Do I want it to lead that way?
What will happen to my job? Would he move to Milwaukee with me? If he does, his ten percent of my dad's business would be null in void. Would I move back here, work at the shop, and quit the job that I worked so hard to achieve? I love my job. I wonder if I could work from home and go to the city once a month or so. I don't know if I could handle a long-distance relationship right now. Being five hours away from Luke would be difficult. Ali, you need to stop; you've only been around the guy a few days, it may end up as nothing. It could be just a small fling, although I hope that's not the case.
Now, I have added more to my plate than before. More tough questions I need to think through and decipher. I've gotten a bit carried away with some guy. A bit is an understatement, but I must keep my head on straight now. A conundrum such as this must have been why my father never mentioned Luke to me. He's clouding my brain, and I'm thinking about our future together over my own. I refrained from being consumed by a guy, mainly after my first broken heart because it was too painful. I focused most of my time at school. Leaving this small town and making something of myself was my main goal. I've accomplished that, so I am not sure if I can give it up.
Not that my father didn't make something of himself but working at an auto shop and being female is not perceived well by society. Not that being a female architect is any different, but I feel more accepted and respected. I've paid my dues, but I miss being around those classic cars and watching as they go from basically a rusty nothing to a beautifully restored something.
It's after midnight, and Ris is probably asleep. I wish she'd text me back so we can talk about my date and how my mind is all over the place over a guy for once and not work. She'd laugh and say, welcome to the club. I'll have to go with the flow and see how things progress.
I AWAKE TO MY ALARM seeming louder than usual, or maybe it's because I didn't fall asleep until an hour or so before it was to go off. I was thinking about Luke and my work for so long I do not know when I slept. I should go back to bed as technically they don't need me at the shop today. Then again, it's now half mine. Ugh, I better get my ass in gear.
I roll out of bed and stumble my way into the bathroom. Oh God, I look at my hair and see that it's a mess. I giggle while checking myself over in the mirror. I must have dozed off hard during that hour of sleep to have my hair stick straight out like this.
My shower feels incredibly fantastic this morning, and I almost
